Box Office: ‘Superman’ Targets $100M-Plus Domestic Opening, Tracking Suggests $130M

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Despite predictions from Hollywood’s top tracking service that “James Gunn’s Superman” will soar to an impressive $130 million in its initial domestic box office run, DC Studios is taking a cautious approach, projecting earnings of over $100 million instead.

Gunn, who serves as both the writer and director of the film, along with being co-head of Warner Bros.’ DC Studios, holds a significant amount of influence over the movie’s content. The anticipated superhero flick, “Superman,” is set to premiere in North America on July 11. In addition to its domestic release, it will also be screened in 78 international markets, where box office earnings of over $100 million are expected.

Three weeks ago, when the movie initially started its box office run, NRG predicted a North American opening of $135 million. This estimate later decreased to $130 million, but it’s remained consistent since then. The film could see further success thanks to glowing critiques, such as this one from The Hollywood Reporter, which praises the movie for restoring Superman’s human touch in the post-Zack Snyder period. At present, it boasts an 84 percent critics approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

In 2016, the movie “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” directed by Zack Snyder, set a new standard for films starring Clark Kent/Superman with a staggering domestic opening of $166 million (unadjusted for inflation). This figure surpassed the initial domestic earnings of Snyder’s 2013 film “Man of Steel,” which was $116 million. Furthermore, nearly two decades ago, Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns” recorded a six-day North American opening of over $84 million.

It’s not surprising that Gunn and his DC Studios partner Peter Safran are cautious about tracking, given its erratic behavior in recent times. However, it’s important to remember that Superman is one of the most recognized superheroes globally, standing alongside Batman and Marvel’s Spider-Man.

(This version maintains the original meaning while using more common phrases and rearranging the sentence structure for easier reading.)

In this adaptation of Superman, David Corenswet portrays the Man of Steel, with Rachel Brosnahan stepping into the role of Lois Lane, while Nicholas Hoult takes on Lex Luthor. The ensemble is completed by Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific.

In February of this year, I found myself expressing to the media, “The world seems to be yearning for heroes today. They’re seeking values of goodness, they’re looking for individuals who embody kindness and decency. And Superman is precisely that.” Yet, in many conversations, I’ve also touched upon the topic of superhero fatigue, which appears to be affecting box office returns.

The movie represents the initial DC film under Gunn’s leadership since he assumed control of Warner Bros’ superhero division with Safran in November 2022. Other upcoming projects from DC Studios include the HBO series “Lanterns” (Green Lantern) and a “Supergirl” film, scheduled for release in 2026.

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2025-07-09 00:24